California utility bill assistance from CARE Program

California residents can get assistance for paying their utility bills from the CARE Program (California Alternative Rate for Energy). This program provides a monthly discount on utility bills for low to moderate income households and housing facilities if they meet qualifications. The qualifications are based on your total annual household income as well as the total number of persons who are living in your home.

If you apply and enroll in the program for assistance, the CARE program will provides participants with a 20% discount on the monthly gas and utility bill for eligible individuals and families. In addition to the discount, for those who qualify and are approved within 90 days of starting a new gas or utility service, those customers will also receive a $15 discount on the Service Establishment Charge. Discounts will be started once your completed application is approved by applicable gas or utility company.

Conditions for participation include below:

• The utility or gas needs to be in your name and the address on the account must be your primary address.
• In addition, you also can’t be claimed as a dependent on another person’s income tax return other than your spouse.
• If requested, you must recertify your CARE eligibility.
• You must notify your gas or utility company within 30 days if you no longer qualify, such as if your income increases outside of program limits.
• You may be asked from time to time to verify your eligibility for CARE.

If interested in applying or learning more about CARE, here is the contact information.

Alpine National Gas - (209) 772-3006 or email anginc@goldrush.com
PG&E - www.pge.com/care
Edison - www.sce.com/rebatesandsavings/incomequalified/CAREFERA
SDG&E - www.sdge.com/residential/assistServCare.shtml
PacificCorp - www.pacificpower.net/Article/Article23256.html
Southern California Gas Company - www.socalgas.com/residential/assistance
Bear Valley Electric - (800) 808-BVES (2837) or (909) 866-4678
NV Energy (Formerly Sierra Pacific) - www.nvenergy.com/home/assistance/care.cfm or 1-866-675-6627
Southwest Gas - The phone number is 877-860-8020
West Coast Gas - (916) 364-4100 or 1-866-743-2273